A Comparison of Exercise Tolerance, Measures of Cardiac Response to Exercise and Serum Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between cardiac response measures and serum markers with exercise performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 90 patients with stable COPD, diagnosed based on clinical findings and the GOLD spirometric criteria were included in this study. Each patient completed pulmonary function and lung diffusion tests, a six-minute walking test (6MWT), a Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale, and a St. George Respiratory Questionnaire. The patient's height and body weight were obtained, and the body mass index was calculated. Serum pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, transferrin, and C-reactive protein levels were measured. Results: After tie evaluation of exercise tolerance with a 6MWT, exercise performance was found to be significantly associated with spirometric measurements, the level of dyspnea, quality of life, and serum pro-BNP levels. When tie measures of cardiac response to exercise were evaluated, significant relationships were noted between systolic pressure and pulse differences, and tie distance walked in a 6MWT. Conclusion: We believe that the many factors that determine exercise tolerance in COPD patients are interrelated. A clear demonstration of these relationships may, in the long-term, change the perspective of both the clinical course of the disease and its treatment strategies.